At 18 months old, your little one is already on a journey of thrilling discoveries and milestones. But what if you have noticed some puzzling signs that may suggest a developmental deviation? These early warning indicators could be our first clue in understanding the presence or absence of autism.
An early insight into a child's world can provide us with tailor-made interventions that start their life-long journey of positive development. Therefore, let's carefully examine the signs that can be detected in 18-month-olds to know when to take action.
With an array of symptoms often linked to autism, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. Some common signs that raise concern about autism and developmental disorders include speech delays, difficulty with communication, repetitive behavior, limited social interaction, and hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.
signs of autism 18 months
Early detection is key to early intervention.
- Delayed speech or no speech
- Little or no eye contact
- Repetitive body movements
- Intense focus on objects
- Difficulty understanding emotions
- Over-sensitivity to sounds or touch
- Problems with social interactions
- Unusual reactions to changes
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
Delayed speech or no speech
Typically, by 18 months, toddlers start uttering simple words and phrases. However, if your child shows little to no interest in verbal communication, it's a potential sign of autism.
- No babbling: Most babies start babbling (producing consonant-vowel sounds like "ba-ba" or "da-da") around 6 to 8 months. If your 18-month-old doesn't babble or make any sounds resembling words, it's a cause for concern.
- Limited vocabulary: Toddlers with autism may have a limited vocabulary or no vocabulary at all. They may not understand simple words or phrases, and they may not be able to express their own wants and needs verbally.
- Difficulty imitating sounds: Typically developing toddlers enjoy imitating sounds they hear, such as animal noises or simple words. However, toddlers with autism may have difficulty imitating sounds or may not imitate sounds at all.
- Echolalia: Some toddlers with autism engage in echolalia, which is the repetition of words or phrases they hear. This can be a sign of delayed speech development or difficulty processing language.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in your child's development.
Little or no eye contact
Eye contact is a crucial form of nonverbal communication that helps us connect with others and understand their emotions. Toddlers with autism may have difficulty making or maintaining eye contact, which can be a sign of impaired social development.
Here are some specific observations you may notice in toddlers with autism regarding eye contact:
- Rare eye contact: Toddlers with autism may rarely make eye contact with others, even when they are being spoken to directly. They may look away or avoid eye contact altogether.
- Fleeting eye contact: Even when they do make eye contact, it may be fleeting or inconsistent. They may briefly look at someone's eyes and then quickly look away.
- Lack of eye contact during social interactions: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty maintaining eye contact during social interactions, such as playing with other children or having a conversation. They may focus more on objects or their own hands.
- Unusual eye contact: In some cases, toddlers with autism may make intense or prolonged eye contact that can be uncomfortable for others. They may stare at someone's eyes without blinking or looking away.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism have difficulty with eye contact, and the severity of this symptom can vary. However, if you notice that your 18-month-old is showing signs of impaired eye contact, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist for further evaluation.
Early intervention can help toddlers with autism develop better social skills and communication abilities, including the ability to make and maintain eye contact.
Repetitive body movements
Repetitive body movements are common in toddlers with autism and can take various forms.
- Rocking: Toddlers with autism may rock back and forth or side to side, especially when they are feeling anxious or excited.
- Flapping hands: Flapping hands or arms is another common repetitive movement in toddlers with autism. They may flap their hands in front of their bodies or wave them side to side.
- Spinning: Some toddlers with autism enjoy spinning in circles, either standing or sitting down. They may spin for long periods of time and may become dizzy or disoriented.
- Jumping: Repetitive jumping is another common movement seen in toddlers with autism. They may jump up and down in place or jump around the room.
- Stimming: Stimming is a term used to describe repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors that are common in autism. Stimming behaviors can include hand flapping, rocking, spinning, or making repetitive noises.
It's important to note that not all repetitive body movements are a sign of autism. Many toddlers engage in repetitive movements as a way to self-soothe or explore their environment. However, if your toddler is showing repetitive body movements along with other signs of autism, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
Early intervention can help toddlers with autism learn appropriate ways to self-soothe and regulate their emotions, reducing the need for repetitive body movements.
Intense focus on objects
Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. However, toddlers with autism may show an intense focus on certain objects or activities that is unusual or excessive.
- Preoccupation with specific objects: Toddlers with autism may become preoccupied with a particular object, such as a toy car or a piece of string. They may carry the object with them everywhere they go and may become upset if they are separated from it.
- Unusual attachment to objects: Toddlers with autism may also develop an unusual attachment to objects that are not typically considered toys, such as keys, rocks, or pieces of paper. They may spend hours examining and playing with these objects.
- Repetitive actions with objects: Toddlers with autism may engage in repetitive actions with objects, such as lining them up in a row, spinning them, or flicking them back and forth. They may become very absorbed in these activities and may not be interested in playing with toys in a typical way.
- Difficulty shifting attention: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty shifting their attention from one object or activity to another. They may become so focused on a particular object or activity that they ignore everything else around them.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism show an intense focus on objects. However, if your toddler is showing this type of behavior, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
Difficulty understanding emotions
Emotions are a crucial part of human interaction, and toddlers typically begin to understand and express emotions at a young age. However, toddlers with autism may have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, both their own and the emotions of others.
- Difficulty recognizing emotions: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty recognizing emotions in others. They may not be able to tell if someone is happy, sad, angry, or scared, even if the person is expressing their emotions clearly.
- Limited emotional expressions: Toddlers with autism may also have limited emotional expressions. They may not show much emotion at all, or they may only show a few emotions, such as happiness or sadness.
- Inappropriate emotional responses: Toddlers with autism may also display inappropriate emotional responses. For example, they may laugh when someone is crying or get angry when someone is trying to help them.
- Difficulty regulating emotions: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may have sudden outbursts of anger or crying, or they may have difficulty calming down after they become upset.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism have difficulty understanding emotions. However, if your toddler is showing signs of impaired emotional development, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
Early intervention can help toddlers with autism learn how to recognize and express emotions, regulate their emotions, and understand the emotions of others.
Over-sensitivity to sounds or touch
Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. However, toddlers with autism may be over-sensitive to certain sounds or textures, which can make everyday activities challenging.
- Sensitivity to loud noises: Toddlers with autism may be very sensitive to loud noises, such as sirens, vacuum cleaners, or fireworks. They may cover their ears or cry when they hear these noises.
- Sensitivity to touch: Toddlers with autism may also be over-sensitive to touch. They may not like being hugged or touched, and they may pull away or become upset when someone tries to touch them.
- Difficulty with certain textures: Toddlers with autism may also have difficulty with certain textures. For example, they may not like the feel of certain foods, clothes, or toys.
- Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli: Toddlers with autism may also have unusual reactions to sensory stimuli. For example, they may enjoy the feeling of spinning or rocking, or they may be fascinated by lights or patterns.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism are over-sensitive to sensory stimuli. However, if your toddler is showing signs of sensory over-sensitivity, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
There are many ways to help toddlers with autism cope with sensory over-sensitivity. These strategies may include using noise-canceling headphones, providing weighted blankets or vests, and avoiding certain textures or activities that trigger sensory overload.
Problems with social interactions
Social interactions are a crucial part of human development, and toddlers typically begin to interact with others at a young age. However, toddlers with autism may have difficulty interacting with others, both children and adults.
- Difficulty understanding social cues: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others in a meaningful way.
- Limited social engagement: Toddlers with autism may also have limited social engagement. They may not be interested in playing with other children or they may not know how to interact with them appropriately.
- Difficulty making friends: Toddlers with autism may have difficulty making friends. They may not be able to relate to other children or they may not know how to initiate or maintain friendships.
- Unusual social behaviors: Toddlers with autism may also display unusual social behaviors. For example, they may talk to themselves, rock back and forth, or flap their hands when they are excited or anxious.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism have difficulty with social interactions. However, if your toddler is showing signs of impaired social development, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
Early intervention can help toddlers with autism learn how to interact with others, understand social cues, and develop friendships.
Unusual reactions to changes
Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. However, toddlers with autism may have difficulty with changes in routine or environment.
- Resistance to change: Toddlers with autism may be very resistant to change. They may not like it when their daily routine is disrupted, even slightly. For example, they may become upset if they have to eat a different food or if they have to go to a new place.
- Meltdowns: Toddlers with autism may have meltdowns when they are faced with change. Meltdowns can be characterized by screaming, crying, and tantrums. They may also involve self-injurious behaviors, such as head banging or biting.
- Difficulty adapting to new situations: Toddlers with autism may also have difficulty adapting to new situations. For example, they may have a hard time starting a new daycare or preschool program.
- Unusual behaviors in new environments: Toddlers with autism may also display unusual behaviors in new environments. For example, they may rock back and forth, flap their hands, or talk to themselves.
It's important to note that not all toddlers with autism have difficulty with changes. However, if your toddler is showing signs of being overly sensitive to changes, it's important to talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
There are many ways to help toddlers with autism cope with changes. These strategies may include providing visual schedules, giving your child plenty of warning before changes occur, and creating a supportive and predictable environment.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the signs of autism in 18-month-olds:
Question 1: What are some early signs of autism that I should look for in my 18-month-old?
Answer 1: Some early signs of autism in 18-month-olds include delayed speech or no speech, little or no eye contact, repetitive body movements, intense focus on objects, difficulty understanding emotions, over-sensitivity to sounds or touch, problems with social interactions, and unusual reactions to changes.
Question 2: Is it normal for my 18-month-old to not be talking yet?
Answer 2: Some toddlers may not start talking until later than 18 months, but it's important to talk to your child's doctor if you are concerned about their speech development.
Question 3: What should I do if I think my 18-month-old may have autism?
Answer 3: If you are concerned that your 18-month-old may have autism, talk to your child's doctor or a specialist. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in your child's development.
Question 4: What are some treatments for autism?
Answer 4: There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autism. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual child's needs and may include therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Question 5: What is the prognosis for children with autism?
Answer 5: The prognosis for children with autism varies widely. With early diagnosis and intervention, many children with autism can learn to live happy and fulfilling lives.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about autism?
Answer 6: There are many resources available to help you learn more about autism. Some helpful websites include the National Autism Association, the Autism Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Question 7: How can I support my child with autism?
Answer 7: There are many ways to support your child with autism. Some important things you can do include providing a structured and supportive environment, using positive reinforcement, and advocating for your child's needs.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ Remember, early intervention is key to helping children with autism reach their full potential. If you have any concerns about your child's development, talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for parents of children with autism:
Tips
Here are some practical tips for parents of children with autism:
Tip 1: Create a structured and supportive environment. Children with autism thrive in environments that are predictable and structured. This means having regular routines, clear expectations, and a consistent schedule.
Tip 2: Use positive reinforcement. Children with autism are more likely to repeat behaviors that are positively reinforced. This means praising and rewarding your child for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior.
Tip 3: Advocate for your child's needs. Children with autism may need extra support at school and in other settings. It is important to advocate for your child's needs and to make sure that they are getting the services and support they need to succeed.
Tip 4: Take care of yourself. Parenting a child with autism can be challenging. It is important to take care of your own physical and mental health. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
Closing Paragraph for Tips Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your child. With patience, love, and support, you can help your child with autism reach their full potential.
In conclusion, early detection and intervention are key to helping children with autism reach their full potential. By recognizing the signs of autism early on and taking action, you can make a big difference in your child's life.
Conclusion
Early detection and intervention are key to helping children with autism reach their full potential. By recognizing the signs of autism early on and taking action, you can make a big difference in your child's life.
The main points to remember are:
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can affect people in different ways and to varying degrees.
- There are many signs of autism that can be detected in 18-month-olds, including delayed speech or no speech, little or no eye contact, repetitive body movements, intense focus on objects, difficulty understanding emotions, over-sensitivity to sounds or touch, problems with social interactions, and unusual reactions to changes.
- If you are concerned that your 18-month-old may have autism, talk to your child's doctor or a specialist.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in your child's development.
- There are many resources available to help parents of children with autism, including support groups, online resources, and financial assistance.
Closing Message
Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who can help you and your child on this journey. With patience, love, and support, you can help your child with autism reach their full potential and live a happy and fulfilling life.